It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name.

AMOS 9:6KJV
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Amos 9:6 (KJV)

What does Amos 9:6 mean?

Amos 9:6 describes God as the one who builds His dwelling in the heavens, establishes His power on earth, and controls the waters of the sea, pouring them out on the earth. The verse emphasizes that the LORD is His name, highlighting His unique authority over creation.

In this verse, the prophet Amos is speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them of God's unmatched power and sovereignty. The imagery of building in the heavens and founding on the earth shows that God is not limited by human boundaries. The mention of calling for the sea’s waters and pouring them on the earth points to God’s control over nature, reinforcing that He alone is the LORD.

The Hebrew behind Amos 9:6

  • "stories" (מַעֲלוֹת, ma'alot): This word often means "upper rooms" or "layers," suggesting God’s dwelling is high above, beyond human reach. It paints a picture of God as architect of the universe, not just a local deity.
  • "troop" (אֲגֻדָּה, aguddah): This word can mean "band" or "group," but here it likely refers to a structure or foundation, showing God’s organizing power on earth.
  • "calleth" (קָרָא, qara): To "call" the waters is an image of command and authority, implying that even the chaotic sea responds to God’s voice.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is God’s personal name, used here to underline that the one with such power is not an unknown force but Israel’s covenant God.

Why Amos 9:6 matters

  • Amos 9:6 corrects any idea that God is distant or powerless; it shows He is active in both heaven and earth, involved in the world’s workings.
  • The verse connects to Amos’s larger message that God’s authority is not just over Israel but over all creation, making His coming judgment and mercy meaningful.
  • The vivid language reminds readers that God’s name, יְהוָה (YHWH), stands for a living, present, and powerful being, not just a title or tradition.

Where else these words appear

“troop” Hebrew H92 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 12:22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
  • 2 Samuel 2:25 And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.
  • Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

“stories” Hebrew H4609 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
  • Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
  • Psalms 132:1 A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:

“founded” Hebrew H3245 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
  • Esther 1:8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.
  • Song of Solomon 5:15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

“out” Hebrew H8210 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
  • Job 30:16 And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.
  • Ezekiel 16:15 But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.